FDA Approves Alzheimer’s Agent Leqembi Shortly After Release of Congressional Aduhelm Report

Less than two years after the FDA approved the first treatment for Alzheimer’s that was aimed at targeting the underlying disease process, it has approved a second similar agent. Payers are likely to cover the drug, one industry expert says, but they almost certainly will try to place restrictions on their coverage.

On Jan. 6, the FDA gave accelerated approval to Eisai Co., Ltd. and Biogen Inc.’s Leqembi (lecanemab-irmb) for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease in people with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia stage of disease. People must have confirmed presence of amyloid beta pathology before starting treatment. The agency gave the humanized immunoglobulin gamma 1 monoclonal antibody fast track, priority review and breakthrough therapy designations.

© 2024 MMIT
Angela Maas

Angela Maas

Angela has an extensive background of editing, reporting and writing for trade and consumer publications. She has written Radar on Specialty Pharmacy (formerly called Specialty Pharmacy News) since she joined AIS Health in 2005 and has broad knowledge of the various issues at play within the space. Before joining AIS Health, she was managing editor at Employee Benefit News and Employee Benefit News Canada and managing editor at HemAware (a hemophilia publication), Lupus Living and Momentum (a multiple sclerosis publication). She has a B.A. in English and an M.A. in British literature from Arizona State University.

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